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So this is pretty exciting. On Tuesday I would love for you to join me for a web-based townhall using ustream.tv. This first episode is going be a learning experience using this service as well as the testing out a format for our time.

This REALLY is a test run, so please no high expectations about this. A few folks from GA will help moderate the flow and conversation that we’ll have via the chat/IM. As far as topics go, we will talk about the best way to use the service, possible future topics, and technology. May also field a few general questions if time permits.

In order to join in you will have to register for a free account with ustream.tv or you can just watch the chaos by coming back and watching it on this video, but why not join the conversation?

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11 Comments

Thanks for the response…
Yeah, the Ustream page didn’t have an obvious link that I could find describing the process or what service is offered. I tend to not sign up for things when they don’t give me some basic data.
The blogs on the PCUSA are okay, some nice personal pieces that made me connect with Linda in a better way. It’s not the tech, it the who communicates to who, how that reinforces power paradigms, etc.
(http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2007/07592.htm)
“September 20, 2007
Consensus sought on communication strategy
GAC, middle governing body execs weigh in on key elements
by Jerry L. Van Marter
Presbyterian News Service
LOUISVILLE — General Assembly Council (GAC) Executive Director Linda Valentine has said that Presbyterians around the church repeatedly tell her the denomination needs to improve its communication efforts. As she has put together her senior staff over the past 18 months, she has emphasized communication skills.”
End quote
So who does the communication focus on? Middle Governing Bodies and GAC. I know this is a year old, but this mentality of top down thinking seems to be overwhelming. Even today, what I hear out of L’ville is in my judgement, only what they want to be heard. To be honest, I feel like info isn’t shared, it’s spin, it’s marketing, propaganda. Hopefully your push for transparency will filter into L’ville and flatten the info cycles.
Ecunet: sigh. I’m not the best person. Call Houston Hodges in Alabama, he was in on the early days and is still active. In the early 90’s ecunet was my connection to other pastors, serving in a small rural community. Today Ecunet is a place where folks gather in Meetings to discuss or share different interests. Name the topic, it is probably covered. Maybe shared blogging is the best way to put it in today’s terms. L’ville used to house the servers for this. Now it is owned/run by a private group that has been trying to do a lot with little resources. I think for many of us it held the hope of a truly safe, open vehicle for communication across our denomination and others as well.
nuff for now. Peace, David

David – Sorry that you couldn’t get into the fray a bit. We may try to get more instructions out there is time/energy allows.
As far as communication goes, I think you are correct in the past, but do you see any signs that things are changing. At some level I am part of that now and, whether they want to or not, some folks are rethinking all this crazy tech and communication. I am hopeful about the new site redesign that will hopefully make things easy and more accessible.
Okay, so I REMEMBER ecunet, but was not aware of there being a specific and organized community. Please educate me.
Thanks for dropping your note.

Don’t know how to communicate with you right now, Bruce, while you’re talking. I didn’t find the Ustream site helpful in terms of describing the process.
RE:Your comments about the PCUSA website. IMNSHO, the control being exerted over communication seems really heavy handed to me. The GA Wrapup was only available as pre-printed sale only documents, not a pdf download. The ED push on communications about a year ago really was top down driven. The ecunet community, (are you aware of us) I really felt like we got short shrift.
Peace, David

For the ustream one the only visual will be me and you all will interact via chat/message board, so you just need what you got already.
This won’t be as interactive as we may want/need, but a first try at something.
If you were talking about the skype piece, then that is something else and I am not sure yet how we will set that up.
Maybe a youth group with a projector and high speed would want to give it a try?

Stushie – So . . . I was able to talk with the Young Adult Volunteers via Skype Video Chat so was thinking that with the right technology, it would NOT be that hard to do something like that. If this goes well, I think we will look at trying some other things. – Take care, Bruce

Great idea, Bruce. Here’s a radical thought – if we all had large screens in our sanctuaries with internet connections, you could preach to the whole denomination one Sunday morning….:)

Bruce Reyes-Chow

One of those “consultant” types who spends his time, blogging, teaching, speaking and writing. He also happens to be a Presbyterian Teaching Elder, father to three daughters, smug San Franciscan and FANatic of the Oakland Athletics Baseball club. Thanks for reading.